Government Warns Of Alcohol In Ginseng

Ginseng products sold at health food and convenience stores may contain up to 34 percent alcohol, the government warned Thursday.

Only seven of 55 different ginseng products tested by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms contained no alcohol. All the others had varying amounts, including some that were as much as one-third alcohol.

The alcohol content came to the agency’s attention after several inquiries, including one from New York state, where a school teacher notified authorities after several students fell asleep in class.